Category Archives: Featured News

Through technical assistance from the U.S. EPA, the Vita Nuova (VN) team supported the Strong Cities, Strong Communities program in Gary, Indiana, focusing on transit-oriented development. Specifically, VN was tasked with assessing the closure of two train stations in Gary and creating a suburban transit station or justifying further investments in the existing stations. Although the current stations were severely constrained and underutilized, the community remained hopeful that they could be preserved." Utilizing a design approach, VN successfully preserved the existing stations, leading to the establishment of the Miller Station as an origination station for Chicago. This innovative strategy not only provided double-tracking but also significantly reduced commute times to 45 minutes, greatly benefiting the community. VN’s work led to the creation of a new Lakefront District by merging the Miller and Aetna neighborhoods. Key tasks included Route 12 realignment, track realignment, Complete Streets implementation, and establishing a light industrial district. VN facilitated property assembly, engaged with federal and state partners, and drafted a form-based overlay zone adopted by the city of Gary. The regional train operator then utilized and implemented this model at numerous stations throughout northwest Indiana. The project's completed milestones include station design, double tracking, an origination platform, traffic calming on Route 20, and infrastructure enhancements along Lake Street to Lake Erie. A key element of the success was the embedding of a senior EPA officer who advocated within city hall, with the regional train operator, and with the Governor of Indiana. Thank you, Jim Vanderkloot! For additional information on this project, please visit Gary Lakefront District

$800 Million in Federal Investment Supports Transit-Oriented District Redevelopment Project

Through technical assistance from the U.S. EPA, the Vita Nuova (VN) team supported the Strong Cities, Strong Communities program in Gary, Indiana, focusing on transit-oriented development. Specifically, VN was tasked with assessing the closure of two train stations in Gary and creating a suburban transit station or justifying further investments in the existing stations. Although […]

Edgemoor Container Port Project to Bring Jobs and Economic Growth to Delaware

Edgemoor Container Port Project to Bring Jobs and Economic Growth to Delaware

The State of Delaware and Enstructure recently announced a public-private partnership to build the new Edgemoor container port on the Delaware River.  The $635 million development aims to expand the state’s port capacity and stimulate economic growth. The new “Port Delaware” project will transform a former DuPont titanium dioxide manufacturing site into a state-of-the-art container […]

Former Chemical Facility Built Out in Three Years: Economic and Social Benefits Accrue to Community

The former Oakley, CA chemical facility, sold in late 2020, is completely built out with over 1,724,455 SF of new industrial distribution space in the East Bay. Major players have invested over $1 billion in new development and infrastructure at the site, drawn by its size, community support, and a labor pool capable of filling […]

Introducing the New Redevelopment Trailblazers Webinar Series

Introducing the New Redevelopment Trailblazers Webinar Series

In keeping with the tradition of providing cutting-edge information about redevelopment trends, our partner organization, the Redevelopment Institute, is reinaugurating the webinar series it started in 2006! Now called the Redevelopment Trailblazers Webinar Series, the program will continue to focus on best practices and innovative approaches across the redevelopment landscape. While America is constantly rebuilding […]

CCLR Breakfast Panel

Vita Nuova Advances Community Revitalization Strategies, Opportunities at Brownfields 2023

Vita Nuova has maintained a consistent presence at EPA‘s Brownfields Training Conference since its inception. Last month in Detroit, we contributed to another exceptional conference, leading sessions at Brownfields University and participating in panel discussions and roundtables throughout the week. This unique conference brings together experienced brownfield professionals and newcomers, fostering public-private partnerships and innovation […]

Vita Nuova: Pioneering the Energy Transition with Innovative Services

Vita Nuova: Pioneering the Energy Transition with Innovative Services

Vita Nuova is proud to announce our groundbreaking Energy Transition services. Drawing on years of expertise in revitalizing complex and excess properties, Vita Nuova is at the forefront of the industry, offering innovative solutions and comprehensive services that pave the way for a more sustainable future. With the rapid growth of renewable energy, Vita Nuova […]

Project Spotlight: A New Vision for the Former Pillsbury Mills Site

Project Spotlight: A New Vision for the Former Pillsbury Mills Site

Vita Nuova’s new Project Spotlight series showcases inspiring stories of redevelopment and community revitalization. In this first edition, we feature the transformation of the former Pillsbury Mills site in Springfield, Illinois. Once a vibrant symbol of pride, this sprawling 18-acre complex with 26 buildings and 190 grain storage silos served as a bustling food processing […]

Vita Nuova Supports EPA’s Land Revitalization Program in Transforming Former Dana College

Vita Nuova Supports EPA’s Land Revitalization Program in Transforming Former Dana College

Vita Nuova is helping to re-envision a bankrupted college campus for reuse. Dana College, a former private college in Blair, Nebraska, that ceased operations in 2010, sits on a 150-acre campus. The project, known as Transformation Hill, recently received $17.4 million in funding to redevelop two former dormitories into 61 affordable apartments. Funding sources include […]

Vita Nuova Member Will Warren Selected for Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellowship

Vita Nuova Member Will Warren Selected for Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellowship

Vita Nuova Member Will Warren has been selected for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Leadership Institute, which empowers its fellows to address the Appalachian region’s unique economic challenges.  The ARC partners with the federal government and 13 state governments to help Appalachian communities achieve economic growth and socioeconomic parity with the nation. Mr. Warren is […]